Snivelling Dragon and the Wolf Spirit {cont.R&M}

[Rainbowfountain]

The warm embrace of Tatsou made Kero feel safe, "I love you," she whispered. Her eyes were closed and her cheek was against Tatsou's collarbone.
"You're words are so comforting." The pain didn't leave Kero, but it was numbed down a bit Tatsou's spell and care.
"Y-you...wouldn't mind if we stayed like this would you? I know I'm sounding pretty selfish at the moment," Kero opened her eyes for a second, and she weakly brushed one of her bangs away from her eyes. I can't believe it...I just said that to him. I'm so weak. I'm such a kiss-up. But...he's just as old as me...possibly older. He's strong...and isn't a mortal like John was. Is it okay for me to love this guy? It doesn't matter....as long as I'm alone anymore.
((After this, wanna start the next day?))

[Animebella]

((Can do ^^))

Hotaru showed Mitsu to her room after a bit and assigned a few maids to help her out getting dressed, and into bed. While she herself made her wway back to her own room and sighed lightly, everything seemed to be happening so quickly. She got dressed in her pjs and crawled into bed herself.
...........

Tatsou smiled at her as he heard those words he had missed for ages. He had longed to hear them being said to him so sincerly. There they were... he squeezed her once more as his arms went somewhat limp around her so not to harm her. "I have centries of experience with my words, I have been around far too long to not perfect them the best I can. However I cannot always say the right things. I am only human... well partially anyways." He had to laugh, a soft one not disturbing Kero as she lay there. Her skin was so soft against his own, he ended up closing his eyes and loving the moment. "Selfish? For loving someone back? Kero... I don't think you know. You can be selfish all you want when your around me. I do not mind." He smiled to himself, hopefully he had found the one for him, because he was pretty sure Kero was more than happy just sitting in his arms. He yawned a small yawn as the tiredness almost started to take over him. It seemed she was tired as well, normally he wouldn't need rest, but he'd make the exception now that he had found someone.

~The next day~

Both girls were still in bed, Mitsu glad to have fallen asleep so easily in the huge bed, something she never had the luxuray of having before. Being perfectly comfortable in the crook of a tree branch. Instead she fell right to sleep with the comfort of a safe castle and a very comfortable bed, save the pain from her wounds... really she was just fine.

Hotaru on the other hand tossed and turned a bit through the night, waking once with a terrible nightmare. Surprising herself as she didn't scream when she woke, normally she did... strange. She sat upright in the bed, sweat pouring down her face, somehow finding her way to grab a drink of water past a few dozen worried looking maids. She came back to her room and sat on the edge of her bed sipping on the water. One of her guards followed her in bowing slightly as he entered, "Princess Hotaru, is anything the matter?" He asked in his charming voice. Hotaru still being out of it mearly shook her head. "No..no... I.. well.." She said fumbling a bit with her words. She eventually sighed, finishing the water and setting it on the table beside her bed as he watched er carefully. "Are you sure?" He asked lightly as she shook her head, "No.. I'm not.. I just had a bad dream I think..." He moved in closer, she looked over at him and frowned, "Nothing... well..." She looked away not wanting to reveal her dreadful dream to anyone just yet though her insides were screaming at her to tell him. She opted not to as she looked back to him, "Mind tucking me in?" She asked lightly as he nodded slowly, seeing as she changed the matter he wouldn't press on. Instead he helped her under the covers and tucked her in. He hesitated a moment before kissing her cheek, harmless kiss, "Sleep well Princess." He spoke in soft words as he walked out a bit quickly and closed the door lightly behind him, leaving Hotaru baffled but blushing like mad. Soon feeling better as she fell back asleep.
............

Ryuu was up and about feeling much better as he was down in the kitchen eating his breakfast and doing a bit of paperwork as he did so. Completely engrossed in his work like always. He was humming something however, something that just popped into his head this morning, he seemed cheerful enough.

Tatsou feel asleep with his arms around Kero, however he had moved them to a laying position, his arms surrounding her lightly. He was first to wake from the two and looked down at her. It seemed she had slept well and was very cute while she was sleeping. He was glad to see her peaceful face. Instead of moving like he almost wanted to he stayed put lifting his head just slightly to watch her sleep before he placed it back down and looked up to the ceiling, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He loved her scent, she always smelled like home... weird? Yes, well it was true, it just seemed right.

[Rainbowfountain]

Riiya woke up that morning with a weird feeling resembling a hangover. He felt his face, bags were under his eyes and his hair was all over the plac...more than usual. He sat up and walked down the hallway to his deserted room, to his surprise it was clean after the three years he has been gone.
"Good morning your majesty, we're terribly sorrow for slacking off of keeping your room tidied. It's just that... we never thought you would come back...so soon." The maid covered her mouth quickly, Riiya only smiled and ruffled her hair.
"You're fourteen...yes?" The maid nodded cutely, and dropped her hands from her mouth.
"It's okay, as long you're the maid, than it's fine by me to slack off. Rest, you beauty like you should look nice for the 'handsome' warriors down in the dojos." Riiya smiled kindly to her, the maid blushed and nodded.
"Thank you sir! I will take your advice." With that, the maid scurried off. Riiya scratched his head and clambered into his room. After a shower and getting dressed, he entered the dining area where his father did his morning work.
"Mornin' Dad." Riiya coughed and plopped into a chair right in front of Ryuu. His red eyes looked over at his Father, "How are you feeling? I hope you don't feel crappy like I do, because I wanted to ask you this: Is it possible for us to do something together today? I know I was rude to yesterday, and I hadn't really been there for you for the past three years...so today, I want to ammend for what I've done by starting a new for you. Like I said yesterday, 'I'm here Dad."

Riiya grinned innocently, even though he looked like he stoned. "I'm hoping Taru-nee and Mitsu would come with us. I can't remember the last time...we were a family."
----
Kero woke up and gazed around her new surroundings.
"Huh? Where am I?" she sat up quickly and felt a sharp bit of pain from her wound, her memories quickly came back to her.
"Tatsou?" she whispered, looking over at him in question. "Oh, right, now I remember." She smiled and gently eased back into his arms.
"Good morning handsome, how are you feeling?" Kero smiled again, adding a bit of her cuteness in it. Automatically, she poofed back into her small form. She stared down at her paws in disappointment,
"My time ran out," she explained, giggling a bit, "You wouldn't mind me being in this form...would you?"
-----

[Animebella]

Hotaru started to wake up, yawning lightly as she rolled over in bed and sighed lightly, feeling her face grow warm with the remeberance of last night, "Really?" She started to giggle and roll about in bed, making the covers wrap and twist all around her until she finally lay still on her back looking up at the ceiling. She was all smiles as she thought about it, not even expecting that last night. She looked over hearing the familiar click of the door, "Morning!" She said cheerfully as one of her maids walked in for her morning cleaning. The maid jumped as she heard the words before she could even step inside. "Good morning Princess Hotaru." She said with a small curtsey, she walked over and giggled, "I can see someone's having a good morning." Hotaru nodded as she looked down at herself and blushed, "I.. uh.. yeah." She giggled as the two of them untangled her and she hopped down to help her out. After they finished the maid helped to dress and get Hotaru ready for the morning dressing her in a cute summer dress and brushing through her hair a few times. "Thank you." She said cutely as she curtseyed to her maid and started down the hall skipping along as she reached the kitchen door she paused and smiled. Walking in, "Morning everyone!" She said cheerfully as she walked in, looking around once hoping to catch a glimpse of her guard but he was no where to be found, she frowned slightly but regained her smile and walked over to peck Ryuu on the cheek. "Morning daddy." She said brightly as she sat down beside him. "Morning onii-chan." She grinned.

Mitsu was awoken by the warmth of the sunshine as it spilled onto her face. She opened her eyes slowly and yawned. Looking around she notyiced the same maid that had helped her out last night walking around and cleaning up the room. "Good morning." She said lightly, the maid turned and smiled back, "Good morning Miss Mitsu." She said with a polite curtsey. "I hope you had a good night's rest miss." Mitsu nodded, "I did thank you." The maid nodded as she walked over to her, "Shall you need assistance?" She asked as Mitsu tried to sit up only to have the dull pain return to her body, She nodded slowly, "Best be on the safe side." The maid nodded as she helped her out of bed and onto the floor. Mitsu wobbled a bit but other wise stood just fine. "I shall draw you a bath and perhaps get you a cane?" Mitsu nodded, "That would be wonderful thank you." She said as she followed her into the bathroom, sitting down on a chair as the maid started the bath. Once she had left to find some clothes and the cane Mitsu undressed herself and stepped into the bath. Washing up and toweling herself off before the maid had returned. Once she had she helped dress Mitsu and get her ready for the day, helping her down the stairs and to the kitchen as well.
...............

Ryuu looked up from his spread of papers and sighed, "Riiya, did you not get any rest at all? You look horrible." He said it more like Alu would have before he cleared his throat and shook it off, "I did have a good night's rest thank you for asking. On the matter of doing something, well... I'm not so sure that would be a good idea with the recent events. I know what you speak of is the truth we do need more family time. But right now doesn't seem to be the best time to do that." He was going to say more but he was cut off by Hotaru's sweet voice. "Ah Hotaru, wonderful to.." He paused as she kissed his cheek, letting the color show as he smiled, "Well someone seems cheerful this morning." He said watching as she sat down and said hello to Riiya, he wondered what had her so upitty so early as he sipped on his coffee.

Tatsou watched her but before he could stop her she sat up, he looked up at her and waited for the pain to hit before she curled back into his arms. "I'm sure you remember now." He smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "I'm feeling much better after a good night's rest however that should be my question to you. You were the one in pain not me." he blinked after a moment watching her poof back to her small form. He grinned, "Nah, now I can return the favor. I think this works just fine." He whispered to her, ruffling the fur on her head lightly as he hugged her. "I don't mind one bit really, this makes it a bit easier even, now I don't have to worry about you overworking yourself and stressing your body." He grinned, "You don't mind then do you? I mean me taking care of you and all..."

[Rainbowfountain]

Kero blushed and shook her little head quickly, "N-No! Not at all! Just fine! Just fine!" She grinned and snuggled against Tatsou's flesh. "Everything is fine by me."
----
Riiya nodded and laughed a bit by his father's shocked response of his appearance.
"You know Dad, you should be like Mom and ditch work like she used to. I remember she used to tick off her subordinate by taking her late notice 'day off''. You remember it to don't you? Don't stress yourself out Dad, Maria is out there, but what she is doing at the moment will take time. Just rest for awhile before you end up even worse than Mom." Hearing Hotaru enter, Riiya pulled up his shirt and hid his face like a child embarassed.
"Mornin' Taru-chan. Did that guard do the usual last night?" Riiya grinned from within his shirt. "Even though I was practically 'dead' last night, I heard everything that happened. Just wait till I find that guy...oooh I'll give him a piece of my mind." Riiya revealed his exhaughsted face, waiting for Hotaru's freaked response, but before she could even let out a meep, Samus did it for her.
"What the heck happened?" she asked walking in with Wind. Wind cringed for a moment and burst out into laughter. Samus started to laugh to, "Did something beat you up in your sleep? You look terrible!"
Riiya sighed, "Good old fatigue decided to pay me a visit last night. If it wasn't for those annoying under payed maids, I would be sleep for a week." Riiya sat up, "Speaking of sleep, where's Mitsu. I'm worried about her."

[Animebella]

Ryuu sighed, "You know that behavior of yours is another reason why you wouldn't be so good as a ruler mister. You should know that work in this sort of place is very important.." He frowned, "But then again I suppose your right. I have been overworking myself like always.. maybe a small vacation wouldn't hurt." He said running possibilities through his mind, but the one that stood out the most was camping along side the beach. Another old but good memory from back then. He laughed as Riiya acted all embarassed when Hotaru entered covering up his face and all. "Morning Samus, Wind." He said a moment later as they entered behind Hotaru.
...........

Hotaru blinked and looked over at her brother, "Onii-chan?" She asked curiously as he covered his face with his shirt, what was he up to now? Soon she blushed however, "Stop, he's just being a gentleman!" She said somewhat embarassed herself but she had to giggle. She watched as he placed his shirt back and her eyes widened but just as she was about to yell at him Samus popped in from behind, making her jump as she yelled at him for her, she giggled a bit more before she shook her head. "Riiya, I can't believe you.. lemme guess you slept in the closet again? You should know better, we used to play in there as kiiids, not like you are now." She shook her head once more as she looked over to Samus and Wind, "Good morning Samus and Wind." She chimed in her cute happy voice.

"Right here." Came a voice from the door, "No need to worry Riiya, I'm just fine." Mitsu said as she hobbled into he kitcen with the maid beside her incase of needing her help, but so far she had been fine and hadn't relied on the cain as much as she thought she would. The marks were clearly visible on her neck with the low cut dress she had on, but they didn't seem to bother her, "I hope I didn't make you worry. I slept well." She smiled at everyone, almost surprised to see them all in there at once, most of them looking over at her.
............

Tatsou grinned, he was finally happy once more. "Good, glad tohear it." He said as he held her close, adjusting himself a bit to get more comfortable on the bed as he did so. He sighed lightly before his tummy rumbled softly, making him actually blush. For the first time in a very long time he blushed. He then let out a soft laugh, "Heh, I guess I forget that even the matter of not being human I still need nourishment. Are you hungry then Kero?" He asked looking down at her.

[Rainbowfountain]

"Morning," Wind and Samus chimed, they sat down near Riiya and saved a seat for Mitsu.
"I never wanted to be a ruler in the first place, but in the end I will help Hotaru do it. I have an idea anyway: How bout we come up with something called 'Dual Ruling.' It won't work for us at first, but maybe later on it will. I'll explain it to you later." Riiya turned his head to Hotaru.
"Where was I supposed to go?" Riiya said tiredly, his voice was hoarse and weak.
"My room was a dirty mess, and it is taboo just to walk into your room. It's also taboo to walk in Dad's room too. Wind deserves his own bed with Samus." Wind suddenly blushed like mad, and Samus bonked Riiya in the back of his head, "Shhh!" she said with a red face and a finger to her mouth.
Riiya only smiled and continued, "Then there are the guest beds, and they are only for guests. I couldn't hop in with Mitsu, that's out of the question. She's injured...who knows what I could've done to her unknowingly. So the only place I could go was that closet of ours." Riiya yawned a big yawned and noticed Mitsu coming in.
"Morning beautiful," he whispered tiredly, his cheek against the table. "I know I look terrible, just ignore me. I'm..." another yawn came out, "..glad...that...you're...up...and..." then another yawn...."and about." Before you could even count back from one hundred, Riiya was out like a light.
"Poor thing," Samus said in sarcasm. "Shame he worked himself to death like this." Wind nodded in agreement. Then for the first time, Riiya started to snore.
------
Kero smiled up at Tatsou, "I believe everyone is up, I'd love to go to breakfast with you....I'll just have to ride on your shoulder." Kero fluttered her little wings for a moment to see if they still worked, and hovered around the room.
"C'mon slow poke!" she teased.

[Animebella]

Ryuu blinked, Duel ruling? Hmm... He thought about it for a moment before the door opened once more and Mitsu walked in, "Good morning Miss Mitsu." he said politely as he looked over to Riiya wondering why he hadn't rushed over to help her as she looked like that. He shook his head, he never had been one to be too bright in that area, giving away the ones that always meant the most to him and all. No matter that was over now that Mitsu was in the picture, however he was still curious on the elf and what she had to do with all of this. He only nodded to Riiya for the whole talking later.

Hotaru sighed, "You... Riiya I swear. You could have just asked the maids to clean it for you. You know they wouldn't have minded and it wouldn't have taken too long either." She said and rolled her eyes, finding herself blush at the mention of the two couples and sharing a bed... almost bringing sadness to her, but she brushed off the small frown before anyone could catch it. She was fine alone, no matter all of the pestering she had received from everyone. She noticed Riiya had just lost himself to sleep and she shook her head, "Air headed onii-chan." She mumbled under her breath as she looked around, "Morning Onee-san (older... is sempai... but would san or chan work here?)

Mitsu walked in and made her way over to Riiya, she smiled back at every and made sure to make eye contact with the King before she sat down next to Riiya, with a bit of help from the maid. She blushed as Riiya complemented her as she watched him slowly start to fade until he was out like a light. She sighed, "He really does worry too much about everything, I wish he would calm down for once and just rest.." She frowned at Riiya as she rubbed his back lightly and kissed his cheek. "Get some rest." She whispered to him before straightening up and looking around at everyone. "I do hope I'm not intruding on anything then." She said cheerfully but also a bit hesitant.
....................

Tatsou grinned over at her as he sat up in the bed and swung his feet over the edge, "Yes yes... you silly girl you have more energy now." He walked over and snatched her out of the sky holding her in his arms for a bit before he placed her on his shoulder. "Hmm... well I have an idea for a bit of fun if you don't mind? It's been a while since I've been this awake and happy around someone... so if you don't mind a bit of misceif.." He grinned over at her, and without a second word he morphed into his fox pup form, a bit bigger than Kero, but a good size for her to be able to ride and hang onto him. "Now hang on!" he said cheerfully as he bounded down the halls with Kero hanging onto his fur.

[Rainbowfountain]

Riiya jumped a bit at the touch of Mitsu's lips against his cheek. He moved a bit in his sleep, he couldn't help but to think of his mother.
"...Don't go..." he mumbled softly, "....Dad needs you... don't go..."
Samus looked over at Riiya and sighed, "Just give up already Princess, he's dense as hell. Besides, he's probably sympathetic over the maids...they have longer hours now." Samus shook her head, " I have longer hours now...but it's better than no hours...right?" She chuckled to herself, "These days are rough...everyone needs to work together not slack off. Resting seems almost impossible for the forces now."
Wind nodded in agreement, "We have alot men to teach. Samus has training to do on her flute. Princess, I hate to say it but, we need to start training you for combat as well. It's up to your Father and you however, if you want to accept this training."
Riiya shifted his weight a bit, "....Don't cry Mom....it's okay...."
The faculty of the castle made their way slowly into the dining area, greeting the royal family and high ranked officers, and then seating themselves that the table.
"Good morning King Ryuu, Lady Hotaru, and...and..." the high general stared down at Riiya, barely able to recognize him.
"Prince Riiya," Samus chimed.
"O-oh! Yes, it's been awhile...since I've seen him." awkwardly, the general left without a word and made his way to his seat.
Chefs and maids started to file down the long table, serving food.
----
Kero smiled, "Well,well, Tatsou is still a kid at heart after all!" Kero's little paws gripped on Tatsou's fur, "Alright then! Giddy up!" Saying this, Kero clasped her paws over her mouth, her face peach in embarassment. It's been awhile since I acted this way! Oh how childish! But...it feels so good to be my old self again! It even feels as if it isn't right for me to act this way. She shrugged the feeling off and giggled, gently clicking her heels on Tatsou's sides.
"Let's go~!"

[Rainbowfountain]

(You're using the right honorifcs Bella-senpai )

[Animebella]

((Yay!!! Soo happy ^^ Your such a good teacher!!))

Ryuu shook his head at Riiya, "He does tend to overwork himself... but who am I to talk.." He sighed as he neatened up his pile of papers and placed them into a bag at his feet as everyone started to file in. Tucking the bag under his seat and ouit of harms way, he nodded respectfully to each one of them as they did so. "Wonderful day outside, I think we may do something." He said looking back to the small group before his food arrived and he started to dig in, sipping his coffee every so often. He looked up once at Wind, "I know it may be tough, we've been down that road once before, however she hasn't been given lessons since... well.. then." Meaning when Alu was around.
.............

Mitsu looked down at Riiya worridly, "Poor thing." She whispered as she wanted nothing more than to see him to bed. She looked up as the General entered and couldn't tell who Riiya was, se had to giggle at that one. "It sure seems that way, but I suppose that's just Riiya." She couldn't help but worry about him though as he continued to speak in his sleep about his mother, making her feel guilty all over again. However that wasn't his fault and she had a feeling he would feel bad later if he knew, so she tried her best not to show it.

Hotaru smiled at Samus, "I suppose.. even so, he's too kind on the staff here, if he continues to go easy on them they won't want to do anything for him." She didn't sound conceited and wished not to if she had, that being known she looked to Wind as the mention of the forces were on the table. She blinked and looked to her father who had returned to eating once more, "I... well.. I suppose my flute's not always enough... but do you really think that's necessary? Every time I try to help out I always get forced back into the crowd." She was about to say more when she caught a glimpse of that handsome guard, she blushed as he smiled at her. She tried to advert her eyes not to be too obvious about it and continued on akwardly, "Not that I mind really... but still. I don't mind helping." She added quietly.
.................

Tatsou grinned at the mention of the kid still locked up inside of him. "I missed my childhood, I grew up too soon. It was my own fault, but by no means will I let it get in the way of having a bit of fun! Sounds to me that you need a bit of fun in your life as well. No shame in a bit of fun and childish acts you know!" He bounded further down the hall until reaching the stairs. "Hmm.... now.... ahh.." He glanced up at the railing just wide enough for him, "Alright, now the fun really starts." He said as he jumped up onto the railing and placed one paw a bit further than the other and started to surf down the railing, gaining speed with each passing second.

[Rainbowfountain]

"It is very necessary Princess, it is always good to at least know a few moves. I pray that God forbid this from happening, but...one day...you'll be on your own and in the face of danger." Wind stopped here, it was extremely rude to press on on a finished subject. He sighed, alot of training stopped after Alu's death. It was bad enough when Kisime left, he was a master at almost every form...including his. Samus began to dig in,
"I'm tucking in~!" she chimed in japanese, and gladly grabbed her chopsticks. Wind pulled down his mask aswell, there was no reason to hide here. He grabbed his utinsles and began to eat as well.

Riiya grunted for a moment as if he was just socked in the stomach. He jolted awake, and hissed in pain. Seeing that he was awake, Riiya blushed. He sighed and placed a hand over his face, "d**n..."
"I didn't know Maria could enter dreams too..." he mumbled. His eyes were still red, and his bags under his eyes seemed more prominent than before. There was no food on his plate, and his stomach roared in protest for food. Riiya looked around, a maid noticed that he was awake and dashed to the kitchen.
"How rude of me...sleeping in a place like this. I'm embarassed." He tried to crack a smile, but failed miserably...he was too tired. It even seemed impossible for him to move at the moment.

Quietly, he eyed the food that was piled generously high on each plate. His stomach threw another hissi fit, making him wrap his arms around himself like a child. Samus chuckled a bit noticing this.
-------
Kero grinned, "Go ahead~!" She was ready for the adventurous slide down the railing. A knight walked by and did a double take.
"What's a fox doing in here? Is that you Master Riiya?" Kero giggled, "Nope, it's Tatsou Yuu, a very wise scholar. He's also my boyfriend, so tell no one about what we are doing at the moment."
The knight jumped at the name of Tatsou. He bowed deeply, "As you wish honored guest, but as a word of advice: the breakfast hour is almost over."

[Animebella]

Ryuu eyed Wind for a moment then looked to Hotaru, "She could use some touch ups, it'd be best for you Hotaru. As much as I wish for you not to stick around to fight, however I won't hold you back. This may be necessary shall that scenario come about." He nodded to himself then looked to the elf who was volunteering herself, "In your condition? Should you not rest to return back to good health?" He questioned, however if she was anything like Riiya.. he glanced over at his son who looked a bit dazed and shook his head, then she'd be just as stubborn. A shame really... only maybe it would be for the best. Bring out the best in him.

Hotaru bit her lip and nodded solemnly, "Yes, of course. I'll be willing to train later on today if everything works out well then." She said as she unfolded her napkin into her lap. Her ankles crosses and to the side beneath the table. She looked to her plate that was still full and once more to Wind. She knew how he could be when it came to the mentioning of his mother, he was sweet enough to leave it at that and not bring it back up. She was very grateful to him for that. Heck that's why she fell in love with him in the very beginning, however now she was beginning to... she looked over at the guard, he paid no attention to her as he was laughing and having a good time with some of the other staff. She loved his smile, it made her feel all warm inside to see it. Just then he glance over and smiled at her with a small wave. Her whole face warmed and turned beet red. She smiled back a small smile as she turned to conceal her blush, man... she was too shy for this type of thing. However he had always been there for her when Riiya left, and that kiss wasn't just some good night kiss... this set her off on a world of wonder as she picked at her food like normal.

Mitsu looked over at Hotaru in wonder, she hadn't been practiced in the art of fighting just yet? She smiled then looked to the boy whom was speaking to Hotaru, "Mind if I tag along? I seem to be a bit rusty with my spells... as well as everything else. I normally opt not to fight, I think I just need to get back into the swing of things. I could help teach the Princess a thing or two if she wished." She smiled at him then at Hotaru who seemed not to be listening as she was red in the face. She looked questioningly over at her and followed her gaze to a young man dressed in the castle guard uniform only with a few adjustments. He seemed to be smiling at Hotaru, and Mitsu grinned, it seemed she wasn't alone after all. Good for her. She looked back to Riiya who seemed to have awoken and giggled, "Aww your tired, you should get some sleep. However I think you should eat first. You can't push yourself so much if your sleeping while food's around." She grinned at him and punched him lightly, a playful punch if you will.
..................

Tatsou winked back at the knight as they flew down the railing. As the end neared he slowed his pace just slightly and flipped off of the end. Flipping through the air with a sweet spin and landing on his paws, sliding ever so slightly on the tiled floor before padding off to wards the kitchen. "We can make our own shall that be the case. I'm starved." He said as he trotted off happily to wards the kitchen, already having made a mental map of the place in his head. He nudged the door open with his muzzle and walked into the dining room. He barked his hello to everyone, more or less confusing the maids and guards around them.

[Kero]

The punch literally sent Riiya off the edge of his seat, he bumped into a Samus a bit. He slowly grabbed his arm, "...Ow." Samus was amazed, "On top of being fatigued and hungry, you're sore all over too!?" Riiya nodded sadly, "Yes...it's hell." He grinned playfully over at Mitsu, "That can kill somebody hon," Riiya then listened to the conversation between Wind, Ryuu, and Hotaru.
"Training...we discussed this before. Even if we do start training nee-chan, what shall we teach her? Dad and I have a style that is too complicated for her. I'm scared for her Taru-chan's safety if we teach her Mom's technique...has Taru even weilded a naginata before?" Samus shrugged, "How about I teach her some spells for her flute. That thing is chock full of experience, it's a truly powerful weapon. Maybe the princess won't need to learn physical combat after all, her magic and spells with the flute is good enough. You should have seen her during the battle! The Queen possessed the flute and used it to wipe out the enemies in a single blow!"
Riiya nodded, "Good idea," he listened to Mitsu volunteering to help out as well, "No." He said bluntly, "You're in a worse condition than I am, if you move around now...you might damage something even more." He noticed her neck, and the marks that were still visible.
"Just rest, like I should be doing right now."

The maid from earlier came bustling over with Riiya's steaming hot plate. Samus pushed him off of her which sent him flying to the other side of the chair. Riiya slowly propped himself up and prepared for the meal, as the plate was lowered onto the table, Riiya caught a glimpse of the knight who Hotaru had a crush on.
"Oi, Taru-nee...is that him? Is that the guy whose been yearning for your love? I see...I see... he looks older. How old is he? 26? 28?32?" Riiya weakly gave Hotaru that over protective look he always did to the boys that sent them flying in flee.
"You should invite him over...I want to meet my 'future brother-in-law'. Oh...have you not gotten that far?" He then sent his stare over to the knight/guard. It seemed as if it burned into wall and everyone around it.
Wind sighed, "Ah memories, poor Jimmy Walker." Samus chuckled, "Riiya, you are one creepy guy you know that?"
------
The maids sqealed seeing the cute fox.
"AWWWWW! Wait, does that mean that Riiya's a dad now?"
"No! It has to be the princess!"
"BAKA! That has to be a stray!"
"It has an ugly bear on its back!"
Kero tensed up when she heard this,"...Ugly?"
"HOLY S!@#, it speaks!"
"OH MY GAWD!"
"Here big guy," said a certain chef who walked over and placed down a tray of food. Her uniform was oddly skimpy and showed her bountiful chest. Kero's heels dug into Tatsou's sides.
"You little--
-END- (of this part lol continue)

[Animebella]

Ryuu rolled his eyes at Riiya, "You really need to toughen up." He said to him as he looked to Mitsu who seemed to take offense to everyone's concern, perhaps there was more to her that meets the eye. Interesting girl indeed... only what's behind that she has to hide? He wondered to himself as he went back to eating his food, after a few moments he finished and the maids took it away. He sat back slowly and looked back over at Hotaru, "Anxious to begin, I'm glad your filled with your mother's drive." He smiled at her, she really was his baby girl, no wonder he had spoiled her all of this time.

With each passing day she looked and acted more and more like Alu. He was amazed to find her skills with the flute becoming more and more perfected. She really was living up to Alu's name, however would she withstand taking the throne once he passed it on to her? Sure he wouldn't do so too early or before she was ready.. only he needed to be sure she could do it. Perhaps with or without the help of Riiya and his newfound elf friend... they seemed awefully close, no matter the reasoning of the elf looking a bit uncomfortable around here or not. "Mitsu, I do believe that is just Riiya's way of telling you to rest. I understand you may not wish to, but I too think it would be best to relax for a day or so." He said in his wise, all knowing voice. The one that he used to adress his citizens with.
.............

Mitsu blinked over at Riiya, "Never expected that one... but I guess I should have known." She blushed lightly and rubbed his arm to help the hurt, "Sorry Riiya." She whispered with a smile. She stayed silent as she rubbed his arm for a bit longer before eating. She looked around the table but was shocked when Riiya put his foot down on her helping out with the training, "What and you think your better off to help out?" She asked with a bit of her attitude, she could see where he was coming from, but she still wanted to help. "Your no better than the walking dead... Riiya." She said calming herself as she looked over at him. "I understand your concern, but I'm not going to be like this for long. If I stay cooped up in a room somewhere and something happens to Princess Hotaru I'd rather be there to help rather not able to." She said finishing with a frown, she wanted to help, if she didn't she'd feel quite useless, " Anyways..." She looked away sadly, "This is my fault in the first place." She ended in a small whisper, thus only allowing Riiya to hear her. She only frowned more so at the King's words.

Hotaru looked to Mitsu then to Riiya, "But onii-chan!! I want Mitsu to help!! Please??" She asked as she was glad to have something off the topic of the guard for a moment, not very surprised when Riiya brought him back up though. Blushing like mad as she noticed he spotted the guard and started to ask her about him. The guard on the other hand spotted Riiya and grinned, waving at him and bowing slightly in respect. Only to be taken a bit off guard when he was glared at, quieting him down a bit as he akwardly went back to his dish a bit set back. Hotaru glared as best she could through her embarassment at Riiya. "Riiya!! Stop it!!" She said in her high pitched squeaky voice, unable to keep her voice down as she was very embarassed. Making the guard look back at the two in wonder. "Riiya, please don't, he's very sweet... and you are always pestering me about things like this... I always thought it was me. Now I see that it's you who scares them all away. You really are selfish aren't you?"

She shook it off as she pushed back her seat and walked over to the guard/knight (lol) and smiled at him as he looked confusedly up at her, not lasting for along as he stood up and bowed back to her. "Princess Hotaru, is something the matter? Your awefully red are you feeling alright?" This only made Hotaru blush more so as she shook her head a bit too quickly making her stumble just a bit. The guard watched wondering if he should help but instead of being able to speak Hotaru tugged on his sleeve and brought him back over to the rest of them, in wonder he bowed immediately. "Sirs..." He said a bit slowly wondering if he was in trouble or something. Hotaru smiled, "Onii-chan, this is my personal guard Kei..." She paused as he inturupted her lightly and added, "Kei Arata." He finished as the obviousness of Hotaru still clinging to his sleeve was there.
.............

(Haa haa, that was awesome!! We can continue them after everyone else finishes up)